What is called chance is the instrument of Providence and the secret agent that counteracts what men call wisdom, and preserves order and regularity, and continuation in the whole, for ... I firmly believe, notwithstanding all our complaints, that almost… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
A poet who makes use of a worse word instead of a better, because the former fits the rhyme or the measure, though it… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
I do not dislike the French from the vulgar antipathy between neighboring nations, but for their insolent and unfounded air of superiority. — Horace Walpole Copy Share
Lord Bath used to say of women, who are apt to say that they will follow their own judgment, that they could not follow… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
An ancient prophecy ... pronounced, That the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
Plot, rules, nor even poetry, are not half so great beauties in tragedy or comedy as a just imitation of nature, of character, of… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
“But alas! my Lord, what is blood! what is nobility! We are all reptiles, miserable, sinful creatures. It is piety alone that can distinguish… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due. — Horace Walpole Copy Share
Alexander at the head of the world never tasted the true pleasure that boys of his own age have enjoyed at the head of… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well. — Horace Walpole Copy Share
The best philosophy is to do one's duties, take the world as it comes, submit respectfully to one's lot; bless the goodness that has… — Horace Walpole Copy Share
Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs. — Horace Walpole Copy Share
